Will Patton has starred in many films, beginning in 1981. He has done many television appearances, starting from the year of 1982 and he has done a great deal of voice work with audio books.

Will Patton won two Obie Awards for best actor for his performances in Sam Shepard's play Fool for Love and the Public Theater production of What Did He See? He was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of General Bethlehem in The Postman.